What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bluff
Example
He tried to bluff his way through the interview by pretending to know more than he actually did. [bluff: verb]
Example
She put on a bluff of confidence to scare off her opponents in the poker game. [bluff: noun]
pretense
Example
She made a pretense of being interested in the conversation, but her mind was elsewhere. [pretense: noun]
Example
He pretenses to be a wealthy businessman, but in reality, he is struggling financially. [pretenses: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bluff is more commonly used than pretense in everyday language, especially in specific contexts like games or negotiations. Pretense is less common but can be used in a wider range of social situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bluff and pretense?
Both bluff and pretense can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, pretense may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its noun form and broader usage.
